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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook ( 179 ), online dating ( 7 ), romance scam ( 70 ), Scams   

  The costly safe in a romance scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A 75-year-old widow from Las Vegas has shared her harrowing experience of losing more than a million dollars to a romance scammer.

  The seasoned performer who spent many years singing background vocals for renowned artists and even toured with a legendary band faced a life-altering turn of events after the loss of her husband in 2020. She wasn’t looking for a relationship but posted on Facebook about her husband’s passing and her new status as a widow.

  Soon after, a man who bore a striking resemblance to her late husband started messaging her on Facebook. He wrote to her every day for about four months, despite her initial reservations about the timing. Eventually, he sent a photograph of himself, and an online relationship began around the summer of 2021.

  The scammer’s requests started innocuously, asking for gift cards to load up his phone with pre-paid calls so they could talk. But soon, the demands escalated. He claimed to be sending her a safe and requested $140,000 to transport it from Australia to her house in Nevada. The requests for money continued to grow over the next two years, with messages professing love and a sense of destiny together.

  Ultimately, she lost $758,000, which included her retirement fund, inheritance from her husband, and her house, which was valued at over $600,000. The financial strain led to her power being turned off twice, and she lost weight due to lack of money for food.

  The man in the photos was actually a spiritual teacher based in Germany, who had no connection to the scam.

  Falling victim to a scam, especially one as emotionally manipulative as a romance scam, can happen to anyone. However, there are several measures that can help a potential victim avoid the scam.

  Be cautious about sharing personal information online, as scammers can use it to manipulate and exploit you. Romance scammers often monitor changes in relationship status, so consider sharing major life updates, like becoming a widow, only with close friends rather than making them public.

  Before engaging deeply in any online relationship, especially if financial transactions are involved, use reverse image search tools to verify the person’s identity. Scammers often use stolen photos.

  Discuss the online relationship with trusted friends or family members. They can offer an outside perspective and may notice red flags that the victim might overlook.

  Also, genuine relationships don’t typically involve early or frequent requests for money. Any request for large sums of money, gift cards, or bank account information should be met with extreme caution.

  And as always, if something feels wrong or too good to be true, trust your instincts. It’s better to be cautious and investigate further than to fall victim to a scam.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: identity theft ( 107 ), impersonation scam ( 146 ), process server ( 2 ), Scams   

  Scammers pose as process servers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Process servers play a crucial role in the legal system by ensuring that all parties receive proper notification of legal actions against them, which is a fundamental aspect of due process. They deliver various legal documents, such as subpoenas, summons, complaints, and court orders, to defendants, witnesses, and other parties involved in a legal proceeding.

  They ensure that the delivery of documents follows the legal requirements and procedures set forth by the jurisdiction where the case is being heard. This is crucial to ensure that the served party’s legal rights are upheld.

  Sometimes, finding the person to be served can be challenging. Process servers may need to use investigative skills to locate individuals who are avoiding service or have moved to an unknown address. Process servers typically do not call the parties they are serving to demand personal information. However, scammers have exploited the public’s lack of knowledge about process servers.

  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), scammers are posing as process servers and calling their victims over the phone. The caller claims there’s a lien on the victim’s home, or that they’re being taken to court over unpaid bills.

  Additionally, the scammers may claim you or a family member are a person of interest in a matter that requires immediate attention, while hiding behind the lie that federal law prohibits them from sharing any additional information about the matter.

  From there, the scammer will ask a victim to confirm sensitive personal information, such as their date of birth, address, or Social Security number. If a victim asks too many questions, the scammer may become angry and threaten further action.

  Again, process servers do not call their targets in advance. The element of surprise is crucial to effectively serving legal documents, ensuring the recipient cannot avoid the service. They do not have the authority to arrest individuals, enforce court orders, or take any action beyond delivering legal documents. They cannot compel individuals to comply with legal documents they serve.

  These Scammers may already have some personal information from previous scams or data breaches. Avoid providing additional details unless you are sure of the caller’s legitimacy. Be cautious with questions that require a simple yes or no answer.

  You should also avoid providing any information about friends and family members, as these scammers may be targeting someone you know rather than you directly. Instead, hang up the phone and notify the family member about the call you received. This way, they can be on the lookout for other scams and take action to protect their personal and financial information if it’s at risk or has been stolen.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: jury duty scam ( 30 ), police impersonation scam ( 64 ), scam awareness, Scams   

  Police erect billboards about jury duty scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  As we frequently note, the jury duty scam appears to be the most prevalent scam in America today. Every day, we encounter news stories from various municipalities alerting their residents about scammers impersonating police officers to extort money from their victims.

  As you may be aware, the jury duty scam involves criminals posing as law enforcement officers who contact individuals claiming they have missed jury duty and face immediate arrest. The scammers typically demand that the victims pay a fine immediately, often through untraceable methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, to avoid arrest.

  However, one city has decided to take a stand against the jury duty scam by implementing an innovative approach to curb this fraudulent activity. The Norfolk, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office is issuing a stern warning to residents about an ongoing jury duty scam targeting unsuspecting individuals.

  The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office explained that while this scam isn’t new, its frequency is increasing. Scammers are targeting everyone, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable. The reason for the uptick is the scam’s success, with scammers extorting thousands of dollars from people.

  In response to numerous reports, the Sheriff’s Office has developed a proactive action plan. This includes placing warnings on billboards and posters at local businesses to alert people about the scam. Locations such as pharmacies, grocery stores, and kiosks now feature posters reminding residents that they won’t be arrested for missing jury duty and that the Sheriff’s Office would never call asking for money.

  The Sheriff’s Office advises anyone receiving a jury duty scam call to take a simple step: hang up and report it to the police department.

  According to Virginia Code, if a juror fails to appear, the penalty is a fine ranging from $50 to $200. Most states have similar laws.

  Please remember, no legitimate authority will demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bail scam ( 15 ), grandparent scam ( 69 ), impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams   

  Police warn of phone scam targeting the elderly 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The Chesterfield County, Virginia, Police Department is alerting the community about a troubling cell phone scam after an elderly couple fell victim to it earlier this week. In this case, the scammer posed as the attorney of the couple’s great nephew, leading to a significant financial loss for the unsuspecting victims.

  The caller informed the elderly couple that their great nephew had been involved in a car accident, resulting in the death of his passenger. The scammer then claimed that the nephew was in jail and required bail money. Under this false pretense, the couple was instructed to withdraw a substantial amount of money from their bank and wait at home for further instructions.

  The couple withdrew the money and returned home. Shortly after, someone arrived at their house to collect the money and took it to an unknown location. Often, the person collecting the money is an unwitting rideshare driver, making the scam not only financially devastating for the victims but also dangerous for the driver. We’re reminded of the Uber driver who was shot and killed by a scam victim earlier this year.

  These types of scams, known as grandparent scams, specifically target older individuals due to their trusting nature. Scammers exploit this trust, leading victims to act on the false information before verifying it.

  To avoid falling prey to such scams, verification is crucial. If you receive such a call, contact your relatives directly to verify their situation. Additionally, be cautious of unknown phone numbers and do not feel obligated to answer them.

  The Chesterfield Police Department shared essential tips with residents to help them avoid being scammed. A lawyer will not call you from jail to get someone out, especially if they just got arrested, nor will they send a courier to pick up bail money. Your family members should be able to make a phone call to you. A lawyer or bondsman will not be at the jail with them.

  If someone you know has been arrested and calls you, they will use a system that identifies them as an inmate at that facility. Always verify the identity of the caller by asking specific questions.

  Scammers are convincing and use scare tactics. If you feel uncomfortable, hang up the phone. Couriers are often unaware they are involved in a scam. If one shows up, call the police. No legitimate entity will ask for payment in cash, gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

  Lastly, Let unknown calls go to voicemail. If it’s important, they will leave a message.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 10, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Facebook ( 179 ), missing child ( 4 ), Scams, social media ( 79 )   

  Disturbing misuse of missing girl’s image in scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last year, the abduction and subsequent discovery of a 9-year-old New York girl captivated the nation. Her safe return was a relief to many, but now, months later, her photo is being exploited in a series of deceptive Facebook posts. These posts have appeared in groups from the US to Australia, and are spreading misinformation about her still being a missing person.

  The first of these misleading posts surfaced on July 4th in a US-based swap and save group, quickly amassing 28,000 shares. Identical posts have since appeared in similar Facebook groups all around the world, garnering thousands of shares and spreading the false narrative globally.

  This misuse of the girl’s image is not just a harmless mistake but part of a more sinister trend. Scammers use these emotionally charged posts to manipulate public sympathy and gain widespread attention. These posts initially attract concern and shares, but scammers later alter them into deceptive ads or links.

  So, naturally, we all want to help when a child is reported missing, and we still can. However, before sharing a post, it’s important to ensure it comes from a credible source. For instance, if the post is from a local news station, a police department, or an established organization like The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), it is likely to be legitimate.

  To avoid falling victim to these scams, the BBB advises checking the source of the post, looking for any updates or corrections, and being wary of posts that ask for personal information or direct users to click on external links. If you encounter such a post, report it to the platform to help prevent further spread.

  The story of this child’s abduction and rescue is a reminder of the power of community and media in locating missing children. However, the current misuse of her image underscores the importance of digital literacy. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and others from falling prey to these deceitful schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 146 ), missing pets ( 11 ), Scams   

  Missing pet scams rise after 4th 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Following the recent Fourth of July celebrations over the past weekend, many pets have gone missing due to excessive fireworks in their areas. Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting the anxieties of pet owners during this time. Roanoke, Virginia, provides a prime example of how these scams are unfolding.

  The Roanoke Valley SPCA has reported a surge in calls about missing pets during this time. Losing a pet is every owner’s nightmare. The hope that comes with a call saying their beloved animal has been found can quickly turn to despair when it’s revealed to be a scam.

  Recently, two residents contacted the shelter after receiving suspicious calls. The scammer, posing as a third-party representative for the Roanoke Valley SPCA, claimed that their pets had been found but were injured in car accidents. The scammer said the dogs needed treatment for dislocated shoulders and requested the owners’ credit card information to cover the medical expenses. Victims were pressured and threatened with losing custody of their pets if they did not comply.

  The Roanoke Valley SPCA assures that pets will never be held hostage and emphasizes that they do not take in or treat stray animals. The organization would never ask for credit card payment over the phone or hold a pet for ransom.

  Posting about missing pets on social media can make pet owners targets for scammers due to the publicly accessible information and detailed descriptions shared in these posts. Desperate and emotionally vulnerable, owners often include contact information, making it easy for scammers to reach out and exploit their distress. Scammers use emotional manipulation, claiming the pet is injured or needs immediate medical attention, to pressure owners into quick payments. While social media can help in finding lost pets by reaching a large audience, it also increases the risk of scammers seeing the posts and taking advantage of the situation.

  To avoid being scammed when looking for a missing pet, owners should share information in trusted community groups, avoid posting personal contact details publicly, and verify claims by asking specific questions only someone with the pet would know. Be skeptical of anyone requesting money upfront for the pet’s return, and report suspicious contacts to authorities. Ensure pets are microchipped and have ID tags, and stay informed about local scams by following animal shelters and veterinary offices for alerts and advice. These precautions can help protect owners from scams while effectively utilizing resources to find their lost pets.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: BEC scam ( 5 ), business email compromise ( 11 ), home buying ( 5 ), real estate ( 127 ), Scams   

  Email scam dupes homebuyers, bank delays refund 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Homebuyers are finding themselves vulnerable to a sophisticated and growing threat: business email exchange (BEC) scams. These cybercrimes exploit the trust and urgency inherent in property purchases by infiltrating email communications between buyers, sellers, and their agents. With access to sensitive information, scammers impersonate legitimate parties to redirect substantial down payments and closing costs into their own accounts. This deceptive tactic not only results in significant financial loss but also disrupts the dream of homeownership for many unsuspecting victims.

  One couple wired $25,000 meant for their home purchase but were tricked into sending it to a scammer. However, TD Bank, which held the scammer’s account, froze the account before the scammer could abscond with the funds. Despite this, more than 20 months later, the couple still don’t have their money back due to a bank delay.

  After nine years in a townhome, the couple decided to buy a single-family home. They found a house and were set to close. They received a legitimate email from their title company. The next day, a scammer impersonating the title company sent an email with new wire instructions, which went unnoticed. They authorized a $25,000 transfer from their Chase account to the scammer’s TD Bank account.

  When the real title company reported not receiving the payment, they realized they had been scammed. They rushed to Chase Bank to recall the wire, but it couldn’t be recalled. Fortunately, TD Bank had frozen the account. They reported the fraud to the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The FBI informed them that TD Bank needed an indemnification letter from Chase to release the funds. After much persistence and involving the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Chase issued the letter.

  However, the letter repeatedly failed to reach the correct hands at TD Bank. Months passed with no resolution, forcing the couple to dig into their retirement savings to make the down payment for the house. It wasn’t until the couple got the local media involved before the letter from Chase finally found the right recipient at TD Bank. The couple is receiving a refund but only for a partial amount.

  Banks should prioritize assisting scam victims promptly and efficiently, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. The current landscape, where fraudsters can exploit complex financial systems, demands that banks adopt a more proactive and compassionate approach. Simplifying the process for victims to recover their funds and providing clear, supportive guidance can significantly alleviate the emotional and financial stress caused by scams. By reducing red tape, banks can enhance their reputation for customer service and contribute to a more secure and trustworthy financial environment.

  Homebuyers should always verify any payment instructions in person or over the phone to avoid falling victim to BEC scams. Scammers can create convincing emails that appear to be from trusted parties like real estate agents or title companies. To ensure the legitimacy of wire instructions, buyers should contact the issuing party directly using a known, reliable phone number, or visit them in person. This extra step of verification can prevent significant financial loss and provide peace of mind during the homebuying process.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: craigslist ( 129 ), Facebook Marketplace ( 62 ), impersonation scam ( 146 ), online shopping ( 33 ), Scams, shipping containers ( 2 )   

  Farmers scammed buying shipping containers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An Arizona farm owner decided to expand their barn using shipping containers due to their durability and resistance to wind and water. Seeking convenience, they turned to online marketplaces like Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to find suitable containers. Their search led them to a seller claiming to represent a company selling shipping containers.

  After researching the company and finding positive reviews, the buyer communicated with a man through Facebook Messenger. The man’s prompt responses and attentiveness built a sense of trust. However, when it came time to make the purchase, several red flags emerged.

  To proceed, nearly $2,700 needed to be paid upfront. The buyer preferred to pay with a credit card for added protection, but the man insisted on a check made out to an individual instead of the business. Although this raised suspicions, the man’s explanations seemed plausible, and the payment was made.

  The problems began when the delivery date approached. The buyer faced constant delays, excuses, and a demand for an additional $3,500 in insurance. Growing increasingly uneasy, they decided to contact the container company directly using the information on their official website.

  The response was a devastating blow. The real container company had no record of the order, invoice, or any knowledge of the man they were communicating with. The buyer had been dealing with scammers impersonating the legitimate company to defraud consumers on third-party websites.

  This experience highlights the importance of thorough verification when making large purchases. Here are key takeaways to protect yourself from similar scams.

  Always contact the company directly using information from their official website. Never rely solely on contact details provided by the seller.

  Be wary if a company insists on communicating only through messaging platforms. Legitimate businesses typically offer multiple communication channels, including phone and email.

  Whenever possible, pay with a credit card, which offers better fraud protection. Be cautious of sellers requesting payment through irreversible methods like cashier’s checks or wire transfers.

  Check reviews on multiple websites and search for any reports of scams or imposters. Include terms like “scam” or “fraud” in your search.

  If a seller pressures you to make a quick decision, take a step back. Consider your options carefully before committing.

  If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it immediately. Contact your local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Prompt reporting can help authorities track and combat fraudulent activities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam ( 146 ), Scams, shut off scam ( 17 ), utility scam ( 31 )   

  Extreme heat gives rise to utility scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  With the current high heat temperatures hitting the region, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is issuing a warning to residents to be on high alert for utility scams. These scams tend to spike during extreme weather events when people are more reliant on their utilities, such as air conditioning, making them more vulnerable to threats of service termination.

  Scammers often pose as employees of water, electric, and gas companies, employing various tactics to deceive both residents and business owners. They typically contact potential victims via phone calls, texts, or by knocking on doors.

  The most common utility scam is the shut-off scam. This scam involves scammers posing as representatives from the power company when contacting their victims over the phone. They threaten to terminate the victim’s electric service due to an alleged past-due balance, insisting that the service will be disconnected within 15 to 30 minutes unless an immediate payment is made. These scammers often demand payment through unconventional methods such as gift cards, and in some cases, they have instructed victims to use Bitcoin ATMs for payment.

  However, the BBB is now reporting that some utility scammers are taking it one step further by showing up to the doors of their victims. Posing as utility employees, scammers may show up at your door in what appears to be a credible uniform. They might claim that your meter is malfunctioning and needs immediate replacement at your expense, or that they need access to your property to make necessary repairs or conduct an energy audit. The true intent is often to steal items or gather personal information.

  The BBB emphasizes that requests for prepaid debit cards, gift cards, digital wallet apps, or wire transfers are significant red flags. Pressure for immediate payment and personal information is another warning sign. To protect yourself, you can follow these steps.

  If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and call the customer service number listed on your utility bill. Do not allow anyone into your home or business unless you have a scheduled appointment or have reported a problem directly to your utility company.

  If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam, contact your local police and report the incident to BBB Scam Tracker.

  By following these guidelines, you can safeguard your personal information and finances from falling into the wrong hands.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Bud and June Runion, craigslist ( 129 ), murder ( 9 ), Ronnie Adrian "Jay" Towns, Scams, used car ( 33 )   

  Craigslist car ad proves deadly for couple 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Bud and June Runion were a loving couple, cherished by their family and friends. In January 2015, they set off on what they believed would be an exciting adventure to purchase a 1966 Ford Mustang, a classic car Bud had long admired. They found the vehicle listed for sale on Craigslist and made arrangements to meet the seller in McRae, Georgia.

  When the Runions failed to return home or contact their family, concern quickly turned to alarm. Their family reported them missing, igniting a widespread search and a wave of anxiety among those who knew them.

  The search came to a tragic end on a few days later, when authorities discovered the bodies of Bud and June Runion in a remote area of Telfair County, Georgia. The couple had been shot to death, their lives cruelly taken in an act of senseless violence.

  The investigation swiftly honed in on Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns, a local man from McRae. Towns had allegedly posted the fake Craigslist ad intending to lure and rob the couple. When the Runions arrived, Towns led them to an isolated location where he carried out his heinous crime.

  Due to legal complications and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Towns has yet to stand trial.

  Recently, a magnet fisher found what may be potential evidence further linking Towns to the crime.

  Bud and June Runion’s story is one of love, loss, and a call to action. While their lives were tragically cut short, their legacy lives on as a beacon of awareness and a reminder to always stay cautious in online dealings.

  When shopping on online platforms for a used or classic car, safety should be your top priority. Here are several steps to help protect yourself from potential dangers such as robbery or worse. Check the seller’s name, phone number, and email address. Use search engines and social media to see if the information matches. Request detailed information about the car. A legitimate seller should be able to provide this without hesitation.

  Schedule meetings during daylight hours when visibility is better and more people are around. Always meet in a public place with high foot traffic, such as a police station, bank parking lot, or a shopping center. While it’s not a guarantee, meeting at a police station significantly discourages criminals from targeting you.

  Bring a friend or family member with you. If that’s not possible, inform someone of your whereabouts and the details of your meeting. Provide someone with the seller’s information and the meeting location.

  Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Consider using secure payment methods like bank checks or electronic transfers. If a cash payment is necessary, conduct the transaction inside a bank where security measures are in place.

  By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of being robbed or harmed while shopping for a used or classic car online. Always prioritize your personal safety over the potential deal.